- Martin Luther King Jr.: Civil rights leader and subject of 'King: A Life' by Jonathan Eig, which offers fresh insights through recently declassified FBI files [2].
- Nelson Mandela: Leader against apartheid, chronicled in 'Winnie and Nelson' by Jonny Steinberg, which explores his complex marriage [1].
- Abraham Lincoln: The 16th president of the United States, profiled in 'Team of Rivals' by Doris Kearns Goodwin, detailing his political genius [2].
- Cleopatra: Egyptian queen, retold in 'Cleopatra' by Stacy Schiff, adding depth to her historical image [2].
- Thomas Hardy: Renowned author explored in a new biography that examines his relationships with women and their influence on his work [10].
- Sylvia Plath: Influential poet whose life is chronicled in 'Red Comet' by Heather Clark, emphasizing her artistic development beyond her tragedies [9].
- Winston Churchill: British Prime Minister during WWII, featured in various biographies, including Martin Gilbert's definitive work, exploring his complexities [10].
- Frida Kahlo: Celebrated Mexican painter, whose life is examined in 'Frida' by Hayden Herrera, focusing on her artistry and influences [2].
- Gandhi: Leader of Indian independence, with various biographies shedding light on his ideologies and life [11].
- James Baldwin: Prominent writer and civil rights activist, analyzed in 'Begin Again' by Eddie S. Glaude Jr., connecting his life to broader societal issues [9].
- Henrietta Lacks: African American woman whose cells were used in medical research, featured in Rebecca Skloot's groundbreaking biography 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' [2].
- Nikola Tesla: Inventor and electrical engineer, often celebrated in various biographies for his contributions to modern electricity [9].
- Joan Didion: Influential writer, with her life chronicled in 'Didion & Babitz' by Lili Anolik, examining her impact on literature and culture [10].
- Marilyn Monroe: Iconic actress whose complex life is explored in various biographies detailing her career and personal struggles [9].
- Albert Einstein: Renowned physicist, whose biography 'Einstein' by Walter Isaacson details his scientific breakthroughs and personal life [9].
- Vincent van Gogh: Famous painter, discussed in a biography that illuminates his troubled life and artistic genius [9].
- Rainer Werner Fassbinder: German filmmaker examined in 'Fassbinder: Thousands of Mirrors' by Ian Penman, focusing on his cultural impact [1].
- Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady of the United States and human rights activist, chronicled in various biographies highlighting her contributions [9].
- Steve Jobs: Co-founder of Apple, detailed in Walter Isaacson's biography that captures his complex personality and innovative spirit [5].
- Rosa Parks: Civil rights activist, redefined in 'The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks' by Jeanne Theoharis, which explores her lifelong activism [5].
- Malcolm X: Civil rights leader discussed in various biographies that recount his evolution and significant impact on the movement [9].
- Paul Gauguin: Post-impressionist artist whose life is examined in 'Wild Thing' by Sue Prideaux, revealing his adventures and conflicts [10].
- Ian Fleming: Creator of James Bond, profiled in 'Ian Fleming: The Complete Man' by Nicholas Shakespeare, exploring his adventurous life [12].
- Virginia Woolf: Prominent modernist writer, examined in literary biographies that address her influence on literature and her troubled life [10].
- Marie Curie: Pioneering scientist known for her research on radioactivity, celebrated in biographies detailing her groundbreaking discoveries [9].
- Maya Angelou: Influential poet and civil rights activist, her life chronicled in various biographies that highlight her resilience and achievements [9]. 
- Ernest Hemingway: Renowned American author, whose life and works are explored in multiple biographies reflecting his complex personality and literary legacy [9]. 
- Malcolm Gladwell: Contemporary author whose impact on social and cultural understanding is highlighted in his varied biographies [2]. 
- Jackie Robinson: First African American to play Major League Baseball, celebrated in biographies for his sportsmanship and activism [9].

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